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Role Models Who are your role models? I like to look through the Bible for inspirational people. Two of my favorite role models are two women that may not be well-known, but they changed the course of Biblical history. Shiphrah and Puah were two midwives in Egypt during a time of Jewish genocide. The Pharaoh ordered them to kill every male baby that they assisted delivery with. Otherwise, they themselves would have to face death. It was a difficult decision, but ultimately, they decided to not kill any babies. Not only did God save them and bless them, but many Jewish children were saved, including one that we know as Moses.
From the Editor, Jessica Lippe Design: Lily Garay (cover) and Jessica Lippe (pages) Editors: Jessica Lippe and Lily Garay All other contributors, photo credits, and sources are listed on the page in which they appear. Although we try to ensure that mentioned sites and outside resources are accurate and appropriate, we cannot guarantee due to changes over time. Opinions/recommendations were not swayed by payment. Readers under 13 need to obtain parental permission before reading or visiting any online sites.
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In This Issue Godly Girlz ......................................... 3 When the Light Shines Through 3 The Most Terrifying Word .......... 5 Hero from History...................... 8 Girlz in Action ...................................9 Getting Real with Natasha Bure .. 9 The Unstoppable Bethany Hamilton ....................................... 12 What’s Holding You Back? .......... 16 Girls Around the World................20 5 Ways to Be a Role Model ......... 22 Beautiful Girlz .................................24 Say It With a Shirt ........................ 24 Ultimate List of Packing Lists......26 Fun 4 Girlz ....................................... 27 G4C Book Club ............................. 27 My Travel Bucket List ..................30 Love .............................................. 31 Extra! Extra! ................................. 32
Role model Bethany Hamilton rides the waves on pages 12-15 Hamilton pictures used with permission from Unstoppable
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Each morning is the same. Weary eyes and unwashed hair stare back at me after I slowly rise and make my way to the bathroom mirror. In my routine before heading out the door to work, a trusty lip gloss and mascara are usually applied while a cup of tea steams on the counter. I thank my British upbringing for that. What is your first thought when you step in front of a mirror? The way you see yourself affects everything in life. What is the truth you believe about the girl looking back at you? It can determine what choices you make. Whatever your definition of beauty, hold it up to the light of God’s word. He has the ultimate truth. Does your view of yourself reflect the Creator God’s definition of you? I’ve spoken to countless girls at conferences, churches and coffee shops about the topic of beauty. The common thread is dissatisfaction with their appearances, and the struggle to find beauty in themselves. I once found myself in their shoes. I grew up as the younger sister, always trying to keep up with my gorgeous brunette sibling and role model. I promise we have the same parents, but our hair couldn’t
be more different. I take after my dad’s side of the family with my naturally wavy blonde hair. During junior high, I only knew how to control the frizz by pulling it back into a ponytail. Desperate measures by this gal who only saw her hair as a problem. By comparing my appearance, I constantly felt discouraged. I bought into the lie that Beauty has smooth shiny hair (like my sister!). Once I had that, of course I would become beautiful, and finally, content. Oh, how I longed for that! This didn’t seem possible while believing that I wasn’t good enough. I remember sitting around at youth group one night, a group of us girls talking and laughing with our leaders. Their words were always encouraging and gracious, but I don’t remember a single sentence! I can’t overemphasize, though, how their lifestyles changed my perspective of myself. When desperate for encouragement, they showed they care. Like our own personal Uber, they picked us up for church, or took us home when needed. They spent time listening to us late after the service was over, when they could have been studying for their college GIRLZ4CHRIST.ORG
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exams. What was it about them that made me look up to them? The joy they had deep in their hearts gave them a certain glow. I so wanted to be like them. More amazing than any bronzer, it was the light of Christ shining through them! They inspired me to dig into God’s word each night. I saw their highlights in their own Bibles, a truthful tale of the time they spent digging into each verse. I soon discovered for myself how much the Bible is like water in the desert. Turning my discontentment to satisfaction and peace, God’s word opened my eyes to see beauty in myself. Throughout our days, whether in school, watching a movie on a weekend break, or hanging out with friends, we can allow these influences to change our thinking. We are pressured to conform to the world’s view of beauty. And these subtle thoughts become powerful beliefs. It’s so easy, we almost don’t realize it when it happens! If we’re not careful, we can shape our self worth through the influences from other people, not God. Here is one of my favorite quotes, by Charles Spurgeon: All my beautiful jewels were fashioned by the heavenly Artist. Do you believe that? God’s word declares we are made in His image (Genesis 1:27). He delights in us. Our uniqueness is a celebration
of His creativity. That truth completely revolutionized my thinking, breaking me free from the prison of comparison. Wow, it is such freedom to believe that I am good enough. The sacred words of Jesus can start to change the way we see ourselves. (Yes, even our hair!) The light starts to shine into our hearts! You are highly valued. You are not God's backup plan! Chosen, courageous, a daughter of the King. Why not believe this starting now by taking a step toward a relationship with Jesus? If you already know Him, go deeper and let Him build in you a solid foundation of your identity in Christ. If your greatest influence is God’s word, you’ll be able to stand strong against the lies of culture. The Truth will be your anchor. I stir a drop of milk into my favorite tea. Grabbing my phone, I begin to read today’s verses in my Bible-In-OneYear app. It’s another part of my morning routine, way more important than doing make up. It’s not just a chore to check off. It’s the place I find joy and peace, something we all crave. I close my eyes for a moment, breathe in deep, and suddenly I feel the warmth of His love. Grabbing my purse and keys, I am ready to take on the day. -Becca Nicholson, The Sonflowerz, www.Sonflowerz.com. Check out their devotional for teen girls, Made To Shine: bit.ly/MTSAmazon GIRLZ4CHRIST.ORG
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The Most
Terrifying Word I Know
W-A-I-T-I-N-G. This is perhaps the most terrifying word I know. Who would’ve guessed seven measly letters could fill me with such fear and frustration? Unfortunately, although it’s about as appealing as being kidnapped by creepy clowns, waiting appears to be a requirement for discovering God’s plan for my life.
coordination, there’s a very good chance I’ll literally run into the poor guy when we meet).
The Bible is full of advice on waiting. Psalm 37:7 advises us to “Be still in the presence of the LORD, and wait patiently for him to act” (NLT), but that can be pretty difficult, can’t it? Have you ever had to wait for something you really wanted? If you’re like me, maybe you felt restless, fearful, frustrated, discouraged, or even angry.
Why Wait?
Time and time again I’ve found myself in a dreaded season of waiting. Waiting for the right job. Waiting for the right apartment. Waiting for the day I’ll stumble into Mr. Right (I say stumble because, with my lack of
There are a multitude of reasons why God makes me wait. Sometimes it’s because He wants to grow me and make me stronger before taking me to the next level. Other
What are you waiting for? Maybe it’s a car, a scholarship, or a chance to be the lead in the school play. It could be going to college, starting your career, or finding that special guy to spend the rest of your life with.
Jesus told His disciples in John 13:7, “You don't understand now what I am doing, but someday you will” (NLT). Many times (okay most of the time) I don’t know why God makes me wait for certain things. I mean, if God’s really put something on my heart, then why should I have to wait for it?
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times it’s because He’s protecting me from circumstances I don’t even know exist. Sometimes I may never know the reason until I get to heaven, but instead of dwelling on all the things I don’t know, I’ve found it extremely helpful to concentrate on the things I do know, and that is: God is good. He’s in control, and He will work out everything— eventually—for my good. Romans 8:28 promises this when it says, “We know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them” (NLT). If God has me in a period of waiting, then it’s for a good reason. In fact, He can use that time as a valuable opportunity to deepen my relationship with Him. So how do we make the most of these opportunities? What can we do while we wait to grow closer to God and keep ourselves from going crazy? Here are three ways to survive the waiting process: Three Ways to Survive the Waiting Process 1. Talk to God about it. The stress is getting to you. Emotions are raging. You fear your heart will literally explode if you have to wait another day—what do you do? The most helpful thing I can do when I’m feeling restless, agitated, or discouraged is talk to God about it. The Bible encourages us to pour out our emotions to God—every thought that’s lurking in our minds. Lamentations 2:19 says, “Rise during the night and cry out. Pour out your hearts like water to the Lord” (NLT). Psalm 27:8 also says, “My heart has heard you say, ‘Come and talk with me.’ And my heart responds, ‘Yes Lord, I am coming’” (NLT). Are you restless? Are you scared? Are you discouraged? Tell God how you feel. You don’t have to hide any of your emotions from Him. He’s your Heavenly Father. He already knows
the thoughts that are raging in your mind, in fact He’s the only one who can take those thoughts and do something productive with them. 1 Peter 5:7 says, “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you” (NIV). The book of Psalms is full of prayers by a guy named David. David continually pours out his heart to God, and it’s not always pretty. In fact, sometimes it seems like David is downright oversharing; but God blessed him for his vulnerability and honesty—so much so that He deemed the emotional poet a man after God’s own heart. What’s more, as David vents out all of his fears and frustrations to God, God calms his heart and gives him peace to the point that David erupts into joyous praise. His sorrow turns to joy as he realizes his heart is safe in the arms of His Heavenly Father. I’ve experienced this so many times in my own life. Not only do I feel relief after getting all my emotions out to my Heavenly Father, but when I bring those emotions to Him, He speaks to my heart. He listens and He holds me, and then He speaks encouragement to my soul, filling me with peace and joy. 2. Focus on the opportunities God gives you today. All too often I find myself straining to see what’s around the next bend. I get so GIRLZ4CHRIST.ORG
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Verses to Encourage You While You Wait Psalm 27:14 “Wait patiently for the LORD. Be brave and courageous. Yes, wait patiently for the LORD” (NLT). Isaiah 40:31 “But they who wait for the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint” (ESV). Psalm 130:5 “I wait for the LORD, my whole being waits, and in his word I put my hope” (NIV). Habakkuk 2:3 “For still the vision awaits its appointed time; it hastens to the end—it will not lie. If it seems slow, wait for it; it will surely come; it will not delay” (ESV). Psalm 37:34 “Put your hope in the LORD. Travel steadily along his path. He will honor you by giving you the land” (NLT). Psalm 62:5 “Let all that I am wait quietly before God, for my hope is in him” (NLT). Isaiah 44:21 “I, the LORD, made you, and I will not forget you” (NLT). Romans 12:12 “Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer” (NIV).
caught up wondering about the future that I miss the opportunities God gives me right now, in this moment. In Matthew 28:19-20 Jesus gives us what many refer to as the great commission; our goal here on earth is made very plain: Go out to all the nations and tell them the good news of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Matthew 5:16 also encourages us to let our lights shine for all to see so that others will draw closer to God. No matter where we’re at in the waiting process, we have opportunities every day to reach out to those God has put around us. It could be your friends, your teammates, or even your own family. It’s so easy to get wrapped up in what we’re waiting for that we forget to recognize the opportunities God gives us right where we are. What is one step you can take to serve God and make a difference today while you wait? 3. Remind yourself of God’s truth. I get easily distracted. It’s so easy for my brain to wander
from God’s truth and get lost in fears and doubts. I have to find ways to keep my mind on track, and one of the most influential ways is focusing on God’s Word. Proverbs 7:2-3 says, “Obey my commands and live! Guard my instructions as you guard your own eyes. Tie them on your fingers as a reminder. Write them deep within your heart” (NLT). Joshua 1:8 also says, “Study this Book of Instruction continually. Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it. Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do” (NLT). At the end of this article are some verses of encouragement. Consider writing them on notecards and putting them in strategic places where you can see and ponder them daily. If you’re an artist, try incorporating them into a picture or some other work of art that will give you a visible image of what that truth means to you. Get creative and have fun with it! Don’t Give Up! Don’t give up. Stay focused. Keep seeking God. Keep claiming His promises. God loves you and wants the absolute best for your life. Ephesians 3:20 tells us God “is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think” (NLT). So many times I’ve come up with a plan for my life, only to have God swoop in and change everything. But in each instance I’ve been able look back after time and see that He was right all along. He created me, and He really does know what’s best for my life. I can trust Him, and you can too. Adelee Russell is a freelance writer from Brownsburg, IN. When she’s not writing you can find her exploring old bookstores and hanging out at coffee shops. Photographs courtesy of Melissa Mercado GIRLZ4CHRIST.ORG
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By Jessica Lippe
Frances Jane Crosby, who preferred to be called “Fanny”, may not be a household name today, but this woman probably influenced your life without you even knowing it. If you have ever been to a church service that used traditional hymns for worship, then you’ve probably sung at least one of her songs. Born in 1820, Fanny was a poet, teacher, author, speaker, and composer of over 8,000 hymns, many of which are still sung in churches today. Did I mention that she was blind for her entire life?
share what she considered “unfinished” work. Her first published poem was sent by a friend without her knowing! She eventually decided that her poetry could do good by being published, especially if it helped raise funds and awareness for her school.
Worship with a Hymn by Fanny To God be the glory, great things He hath done, So loved He the world that He gave us His son, Who yielded His life an atonement for sin, And opened the life gate that all may go in.
It wasn’t long until Fanny J. Crosby had her name on the cover of poetry books. One of those published poems was a hymn, which was only the beginning of her music career.
Crosby explored many genres of music. She composed political songs about popular issues of In addition to blindness, the day, such as abolition. But Fanny was born poor, her she is best known for her legacy Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, father died when she was of hymns. Her day always began let the earth hear His voice! one year old, and her only in prayer, which was uncommon Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, child died in infancy. even back then. Writing things let the people rejoice! down served as a challenge, so Oh, come to the Father, Fanny could have given up. Fanny memorized all her lyrics through Jesus the Son, She could have decided before dictating. Her dedication And give Him the glory, with the other kids teasing, and work ethic produced several great things He hath done that she was too disabled to hymns daily. Sadly, Fanny’s work amount to anything. But instead, Fanny chose never earned much. She didn’t mind, as she hope. She earned her peers’ respect, and later gave most of her earnings to charity. spread the gospel through music. Despite her compositions, Fanny wanted to be When she was eight years old, Fanny wrote known for her rescue work. She helped the her first poem, about her blindness. At inner city, immigrants, and other worthy fourteen, she began attending the New York causes until she died at the age of 94. Institution for the Blind. As a teen, she kept busy with singing lessons and memorization. No one would blame Fanny for being bitter about how life started out for her, but Fanny After graduating, Fanny J. Crosby continued as refused to be bitter. God blessed Fanny J. a faculty member and began her career in Crosby with fame and happiness, all because poetry. Although her work was picked up by she decided to choose hope. major publications, Fanny was reluctant to GIRLZ4CHRIST.ORG
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Getting Real With
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She’s an 18-year-old Los Angeles native. She’s a popular YouTube vlogger. She’s the daughter of Fuller House star Candace Cameron Bure and former hockey player Valerie Bure. She’s even a new author. But she’s NOT fake! In Let’s Be Real, Natasha shares experiences and advice to encourage readers to live the life that God created for them. Now, you’ll get insight into Natasha’s real life! GIRLZ 4 CHRIST: What was the biggest difference growing up in a famous household compared to your peers? NATASHA: Honestly, nothing was different except for just being able to attend certain events and obviously being the in the public eye. Other
than that, my parents were pretty much the same as every other parent, if not more strict. I didn't see a huge difference in being in a "famous" household because that's not really how my family runs. GIRLZ 4 CHRIST: Which aspect of your life do you struggle most with when it comes to being real? NATASHA: I used to be really insecure about my body and my skin. I would pretend to be confident, but on the inside, I was crying because of how horrible I felt. It was important for me to embrace myself and love myself. Now I feel like I am super open with myself and have learned to embrace the parts of me that I used to be uncomfortable with. GIRLZ 4 CHRIST: What's a typical day like for you? NATASHA: Every day is different. I usually wake up, shower, get ready for the day, and then from there, it's different every day! Sometimes I am performing, other days I am hanging with friends. Some nights I am in the studio...it all depends! Lots of laughter, lots of yummy food, and lots of fun stories to tell for sure! GIRLZ 4 CHRIST: How do you share your love of Christ as a public figure? NATASHA: I think actions speak louder than words. It’s important to really use your actions for good and be a light in dark situations. Show other people through how you act, that you are a Christ follower! It's not always going to be easy but if you stick with it, it can change so many lives. GIRLZ 4 CHRIST: What did the process of creating “Let's Be Real” look like for you? GIRLZ4CHRIST.ORG
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NATASHA: The process of writing this book was pretty crazy and very fast. We had a super short time limit to complete it so it was a quick process but made me appreciate how much effort really goes into writing a book. When the idea came up for me to write a book, I knew what I wanted to write about immediately just because this topic of being real is so close to my heart. Everything flowed super well right afterwards and I was happy that I was able to have so many experiences to share with others. Since then, I have really been able to use my platform to speak to so many young people! GIRLZ 4 CHRIST: What is your most embarrassing moment as a teen? NATASHA: Every day of my life was an embarrassing moment. I couldn't pick just one. A major embarrassing moment was when I accidentally jumped into the wrong car and a couple was sitting in the front seat and I
thought it was my parents. I walked out mortified. I was so embarrassed. Bonus Questions Asked by Our Teen Interns: GIRLZ 4 CHRIST: Any advice for YouTube wannabes? NATASHA: DO IT! Go for it! YouTube is such a blast and can be so much fun if it's something you're passionate about! Stay true to who you are and don't think that you have to be any different just because you're putting yourself out there. GIRLZ 4 CHRIST: What makes your videos so entertaining, inspiring, and worth watching? NATASHA: Being real. I used to make YouTube videos when I was younger and I watch them back now and I'm like- that wasn't me. That was who I thought I was SUPPOSED to be. Being real, authentic, goofy, funny, lovable, is what makes videos so enjoyable to watch because they are REAL!
Review of Let’s Be Real A must-read nonfiction for every teen girl! You’ll be drawn in right away with a special foreword by Sadie Robertson, describing how these two Christian teen stars met. Then dive into ten chapters, each covering a different life aspect that you can practice being real in. It’s like a heart-to-heart with Natasha Bure about real friendships, real health, and real beauty, just to name a few. Along the way, Natasha shares advice based on her own real-life examples, as well sharing some of her struggles to relate to or learn from. It’s not all deep material, though. Several sidebars in each chapter offer step-by-step activities and journaling topics. The best part is that Natasha based every part of this book from the Bible. If you want to live life as an open and honest you (who doesn’t), then Let’s Be Real may be just the book to read! $22.99 (USD), published by Zondervan. You can find this book online, in Christian bookstores, and in Christian or teen sections of many major bookstores GIRLZ4CHRIST.ORG
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The Unstoppable
Bethany Hamilton
By Jessica Lippe
It’s summer: prime season for heading to the beach. But in Hawaii, the sand and surf is ideal year-round. That’s why one late October morning, a thirteen-year-old Kauai girl ran toward the ocean, surfboard in hand. Little did she know that this casual morning of her favorite sport would drastically alter her life.
Q&A with the Unstoppable Soul Surfer You were thrown into the limelight starting the day you experienced a shark attack and traumatic amputation. Since then, what has been your greatest triumph? My greatest triumph was getting back on the surfboard. Without that initial "try" at surfing with one arm, I wouldn't have gone on to do most the things I'm doing now! Your greatest struggle? My greatest struggle has been fame. It’s a blessing on one hand, knowing that I’m seen as a role model and inspiration to so many people all around the world. However, on the other hand, it’s very hard for me to deal with the attention when I'm out in public and the demand for my time and energy. I am often asking God to help me through this. What do you love about the ocean? What pulls you back to the water again and again? The refreshment of the water, the energy, and how it’s always changing. I love the challenge of surfing too and most of all the rush it brings!
In surf competitions, press interviews, and other areas of your life, do you think that there are differences between you and your colleagues due to you being a Christian? Yeah, I definitely have a different approach to everything I do because of my faith. It's part of who I am and what I live life for. I’m very conscious of the fact that young girls are looking up to me and my peers, observing what we say and do. With many eyes on me it really brings me to think about how I live my life, the many daily choices, and how I treat others. It affects me and motivates me to know that every decision does matter. Other thoughts... I’m now working on a passion project, a film entitled “Bethany Hamilton: Unstoppable,” which will highlight my life as a pro surfer. A lot of people still think of me as the Soul Surfer girl or that shark-attack victim. This film should give people a new perspective on my life, and hopefully each viewer will be encouraged in his/her own life journey. Expected to release sometime in 2018. For updates on the documentary, visit bethanyhamilton.com or unstoppablethefilm.net. GIRLZ4CHRIST.ORG
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Bethany Hamilton became a professional surfer at age 17. In addition to this career, she’s now wife to Adam Dirks and mom to two-year-old Tobias.
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Friends of Bethany Friends of Bethany Hamilton (FOBH) began with a mission to inspire people, especially young people, suffering from traumatic limb loss. Given the impact of Bethany’s story, and the positive impact of the foundation’s events and message, FOBH has expanded the platform and reach to a broader message of overcoming. With Bethany’s strong faith, the overcoming message is centered on faith in Jesus Christ, and that triumphing over adversity is truly possible. Currently FOBH’s programs and events include its cornerstone Beautifully Flawed retreat, the annual Anchored in Love conference, its Life to the Fullest teen conference, and the Hawaii Elite Surf Camp. Building on these popular events, FOBH aims over the next 5 years to add locations across the country and new initiatives in line with its mission. “I love a chance to affect young people’s lives and bring hope in unique ways,” says Bethany.
One way Bethany is doing that is through FOBH's Beautifully Flawed retreat which serves to unite and inspire young women with limb differences; teaching them to find beauty in their stories. FOBH is passionate about reaching and elevating young people who have experienced limb loss, helping them through the resulting impact on self-image that can hinder them socially, emotionally and spiritually. Our 5th annual Beautifully Flawed retreat will be held in the fall of 2017. Another way is through Anchored in Love, a young women’s conference for ages 13 and up hosted by FOBH and Wonderfully Made. It’s an inspiring one-day event designed to help young women discover their true beauty, purpose and worth as they recognize who Jesus is and who they can be in Him. The annual conference will be held in a new location in the fall of 2017, details to be announced soon. The organization's mission is to reach out to encourage a broken world offering hope to overcome through Jesus Christ. For more information, visit www.friendsofbethany.com GIRLZ4CHRIST.ORG
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Bethany’s Books and Films Be on the lookout for Bethany’s upcoming documentary, “Bethany Hamilton: Unstoppable”. This film will give us a glimpse at what the one-armed surfer’s life looks like today. To learn about Bethany’s teen years, including her shark attack, you can find lots of Bethany Hamilton books in libraries and bookstores. Her first book is a memoir titled Soul Surfer, written less than a year after her shark attack and return to surfing. She even has a devotional, a health guide, and a fiction series! Bethany’s story was made into a major motion picture, also billed as “Soul Surfer”. Actress AnnaSophia Robb portrays the young Bethany, but you can find the real Hamilton as an extra in the mission trip scenes and performing her own stunts in the surf competition scenes.
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By Jennifer Baringer I went to a training conference put on by a mission organization for youth. Their weekend program included many group activities, which helped them identify potential leaders among the attendees. In one of the group activities, we had to organize into a single-file line, from youngest to oldest, without talking out loud to each other. After a few minutes, I was beside myself in frustration, and began holding up my fingers and gesturing to each person, to figure out the year and month they were born. I then started moving them into the right place in line. A conference leader tapped me on the shoulder and whispered for me not to do
anything further. He wanted to identify other leaders within the group. I tell you this not because I was born an awesome leader. I was terribly shy and introverted as a teen, I had talents, and leadership abilities, I was just afraid to step out and use them. I had to learn and practice to be a leader. Before I started honing my leadership abilities, I had to understand that some of the leaders I knew had self-doubts and insecurities, just like me. During my senior year in high school, I had an off block with one of the top cheerleaders at our school. She not only cheered, but she was also a leader in several school clubs and within her youth group. We had many GIRLZ4CHRIST.ORG
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conversations over that semester, and, I was shocked to find out she had doubts and struggled with many of the same things I did. Only she didn’t let the insecurity rule her. She didn’t let what she thought others might think about her, keep her from trying new things. It wasn’t comfortable learning to be a leader. Unfortunately, I missed many opportunities at first. I wanted to be involved, but, I was afraid I would be turned down. Rejection is risky, but more often than not, rejection was a figment of my imagination. Fortunately, there were plenty of opportunities, even if my first or second choices hadn’t worked out. How can you stretch yourself and learn leadership skills that will help you through your teen years, college life, and into adulthood? My first suggestion would be to identify the gifts, strengths and talents you already possess. 1.
Pray and ask God to show you your leadership abilities. 2. Make a list of the things you are most interested in and enjoy doing. 3. Take an online assessment test to find out your gifts, strengths and weakness. 4. Ask your family and friends to point out
what they think your leadership abilities are. Once you have identified your gifts, strengths, and weaknesses, identify places to use them and volunteer. 1.
Ask your youth leader how you might step up and help. Maybe as a greeter, sound and video tech, mission’s coordinator, or other jobs that need to be done. Start small if you need too, but, going for a big job you know you can handle, can be awesome way to gain confidence. 2. There are tons of jobs around your church that need doing, too. Nursery help, soup kitchen workers, and even greeters. Most of these jobs will add skills to your leadership resume. 3. Talk with your guidance counselor or teachers at school and identify clubs or school volunteer positions you would be good at. Maybe you could tutor other students, work with disabled students, or be a teacher assistant. 4. Community organizations are always in need of volunteers, find one that matches your interests and abilities, or one that will help you strengthen abilities you would like to improve. GIRLZ4CHRIST.ORG
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You don’t have to be the president to be a leader or to learn leadership skills. Once you have found a place to volunteer and use your talents, here are some additional ideas for growing your leadership skills: 1.
Seek out a mentor, someone you look up to that is willing to help you learn. 2. Work on things which make you feel uncomfortable. Ask to be the greeter, if you are shy. Practice speaking in public, behind the podium, if public speaking scares you. 3. Set goals for learning new skills that will help you and the organization you are working for. Read books or
watch videos to learn new skills. Volunteer to help with projects, or parts of projects, while you build trust and practice using new found skills. 4. Build relationships with those around you. Encourage others, and be open to criticism and ideas for improvement. 5. Work hard, especially at your job description, you are building a reputation with those you work with. Can you be a leader? You sure can, it’s not just something for others to do, it’s a skill you will use all of your life. It’s a win/win for everyone, especially you.
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By Chloe McCormick as told to Jessica Lippe
Girlz 4 Christ readers come from all the corners of the world! One of those readers is Chloe McCormick, a 19-year-old Christian girl from Northern Ireland. Northern Ireland is a country in the United Kingdom near the continent of Europe. While it’s on the same island as Ireland, these are actually considered two separate countries. We invite you to learn about Northern Ireland from our resident reader there. You’ll discover that Chloe has a strong passion for sharing Christ, and knows that while she may currently be living in Northern Ireland, she is truly a citizen of heaven! GIRLZ4CHRIST.ORG
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On family: I live with my Mum, my Dad, my sister, and two dogs.
amazing food and dessert places that are just fab.
A typical day: Some days I work. Most of my time is spent journaling, encouraging, and blogging!
On future goals: My main goal is to continue to honour and glorify Jesus in all that I do! And that doesn’t have to wait until the future. It’s something we can all start right now!
On the best site in her country: Personally, I love Gosford Park. It’s a giant park with plenty of open space, a forest, and even a castle! Her favorite getaway: I love anywhere I can find pretty scenery and picturesque views! Her favorite food: Anything Nutella with strawberries!
On where she’d love to live: NEW YORK!!!! Because of the amazing pictures I could put on Instagram. I’d love the shopping, too. On community involvement: I am a youth leader and Sunday School helper at my church. On her life and country: A few hundred years ago, there was a mighty revival! Oh, that it would happen again! I found out about Girlz 4 Christ through social media. You can also follow me on Instagram @SweetnessWithChrist.
On language: I speak English, and a very tiny bit of French!
Or read my blog, SweetnessWithChrist.wordpress.com.
On free time: I love to read and shop. Oh, and eat!
Thanks for a glimpse at Northern Ireland living, Chloe! Where do you live? If you’d like to represent your nation in a future issue of Girlz 4 Christ Magazine, let us know and we can set up an interview! Just e-mail Girlz4Christ@yahoo.com.
What she would say if trying to convince someone to visit her hometown: That we always have rain! Just joking, there are
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Ways to Be a
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Role Model
Believe it or not, you’re probably already a role model to at least one other person! Set a positive example with these five things to do.
Do the hardest thing. When you have a choice between sleeping in till eight or getting up to help with breakfast, choose the one that is going to be harder. Our lives aren't supposed to be easy--we're supposed to be ready to die for Jesus at any minute. Following Jesus is going to mean doing the hard thing, because if following Jesus was easy, everyone would do it not for Him, but for ease. Doing the hard thing, however, sets us apart from the world.
Find ways to encourage people. I used to think that you had to be in public school to greatly impact people. Now I know that even if you don't know a lot of people, it's important to go out of your way to share God's love with them, because you don't know if that will inspire them to share God's love with more people. You could start a chain reaction.
Don't complain. Have you ever tried to go a day without complaining? Speaking from my experience...it's pretty hard. But complaining spreads the opposite of encouragement: it spreads discouragement, particularly if nothing can be done about the situation. God also takes complaining very seriously; "And the people complained in the hearing of the Lord about their misfortunes, and when the Lord heard it, his anger was kindled, and the fire of the Lord burned among them." (Numbers 11:1) Read the Bible! It might not seem like much, but fitting God's Word into your life whenever you can and making it a priority will really shape the way you view things. It feeds you good thoughts to think about. Aspire to be holy. Without holiness, no one can see God. But what is holiness? Holiness is to live a life that abides by the principles of God's Word. Doing this separates us from the world. A great book explaining holiness is Jerry Bridges' The Pursuit of Holiness. Priscilla Doran is an intern at Girlz 4 Christ. If there is anything you would like to ask her about, you can contact her at G4Cintern@gmail.com.
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What do your clothes say about you? The things we wear can reflect a lot about who we are. Dressing up in professional attire means you want to be taken seriously. Athletic gear shows you want to exercise (hopefully!). Selecting comfortable threads implies that you’re seeking coziness. Wearing modest clothes represents how you value your body. Have you ever considered how your clothes represent your life with Christ? I once heard t-shirts with verses on them referred to as “power tools”. Imagine how powerful an inspirational message could be to someone who needs to hear about the love of Christ! With these shirts from Twice Born Store (twicebornstore.com), you can be a witness with what you wear. GIRLZ4CHRIST.ORG
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Beach Weekend Overnight Sleepover pajamas ·change of clothes ·nail polish ·makeup ·favorite movie ·pillow ·chocolate ·glow sticks ·hair supplies
By Jessica Lippe
·blanket or bedroll ·toothbrush
The Ultimate List of Packing Lists
You should be able to pack all your belongings in one carry-able bag (there are a few exceptions, such as for your tent). ·Roll your clothes to reduce wrinkles and create more space. ·Double duty items are great, like shampoo combined with conditioner, or using a scarf as a lightweight blanket.
Tips for All Travels See page 30 for destination inspiration!
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Featured Summer Reads: Made to Shine by The Sonflowerz (pg. 4) Let’s Be Real by Natasha Bure (pg. 11) Soul Surfer by Bethany Hamilton (pg. 15) and now… Devoted by Marjorie Jackson Reviewed by Jessica Lippe
Could 31 days change your life? 19-year-0ld Marjorie Jackson has recently published her second book. (You can read about her her first book, The Greatest Book You’ve Never Read, in Girlz 4 Christ’s Winter 2015 issue.) Her latest book features 31 devotionals, ranging from
being a good sister to practicing humility. At the end of each day’s devotional, the featured verse is displayed on handlettered coloring page designed by Marjorie. Would you like to get a closer look at Devoted and author Marjorie Jackson? Turn the page for an exclusive interview with her!
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What does your writing process look like? Before I sit down and put anything down on paper, I pray that the words that I write would be words from God, and not my own, so that they will truly make a lasting impacting and change on the reader. I know that it is a humbling blessing and honor to do the work of the Lord, and I never want to forget Who really deserves the credit! Then, after praying, I outline my chapter, find key Scripture verses to emphasis, and I begin filling in the content as if I were writing a letter of encouragement to a friend! Which was your favorite devotional to write? Day 17: True Purity, Day 18: Delighting Yourself in the Lord, and Day 19: The Truth about Your Heart were a couple of my favorite ones. They are important messages for girls who desire to rid their heart of anything hindering them from fulling committing themselves to worshipping Jesus with everything they’ve got! Who are your role models? In the introduction of Devoted, I begin with a quote by one of my favorite authors, Elisabeth Elliot, the wife of martyred missionary Jim Elliot. I admire the ministry she had through the years of encouraging women to live Godcentered lives of surrender and purpose. Corrie ten Boom is another one of my favorites. As a holocaust survivor, her story is a powerful testimony to obedience, integrity, humility, and trusting the Lord. Also, my parents have been very influential in my spiritual formation throughout the years, continually encouraging me to keep seeking and following Jesus even when life gets tough. They are a blessing, for sure!
What does being a role model mean to you? As an older sister to my four younger sisters, I was born automatically into a role model position! There’s also school, church, work… The opportunity to be an influence and a role model is everywhere! But it is up to the way I choose to live whether I am a good role model or not. In order to be a meaningful, significant, good role model, I believe it is important to lead by example. I desire to be someone that is authentic—not perfect, but continually living with integrity and humility as I rely on the Lord day by day. Being a human, I will mess up now and then, but if I am pointing others to Jesus rather than myself, then there is truly value in what I am modeling. After all, as Christian, we are here to be ambassadors for Christ, redirecting the spotlight to HIM! What is your favorite book? One of my favorite books is The Insanity of God by Nik Ripken. It’s about the persecuted church and enduring suffering for Christ and for the sake of the Gospel. Another favorite is Passion and Purity by Elisabeth Elliot, where the author shares her love story and how she and her husband honored the Lord through the different seasons of their relationship. Both are quality reads, I definitely recommend them to everyone! What advice do you have for aspiring writers? Let the Lord guide you in the message that He has to share through you! Whether you write fiction, nonfiction, poetry, whatever you do, use it to share with the world what the Lord has done for you. Take the platform that He has given you and use this opportunity to change the world and bring glory to the One who gave you the gift of writing in the first place.
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What are you doing when you aren't writing? I enjoy taking a brain-break from writing and instead switching gears to work on the artistic elements of my books. I love drawing and hand lettering, and I love incorporating them in with the things I’m writing. I also love going to coffee shops with friends and chatting for hours upon hours over delicious treats, spending time walking outside, and playing the piano!
Where will you spend your time this summer? I am happy to be on summer vacation spending time with my family and getting to see friends. I hope to spend plenty of time enjoying the outdoors, taking my sisters to ice cream, and meeting up with old friends to catch up on our lives.
Photos courtesy of Marjorie Jackson
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